Is it very easy to open? I want to buy it for my 5 year old son so when I am not close to him and cannot supervise if he is holding the rail and walking instead of running downstairs, the gate will stop him.
34976
The lever to release the tension requires pressure downward and lift out of the "catch" to release. I cannot picture a five year old releasing the tension to open the gate. The "locking" of the tension is the opposite - pressure downward and pushing in the "catch". The first few times I felt I might break the lever but it seems much easier now.
193243
You have to slide a switch and lift the gate simultaneously. It sounds trickier than it is. It is easy to get the hang of. But yes it probably would be tough for someone with arthritis. I can't imagine a functional baby gate that wouldn't be because if the gate is easy to open, a toddler will figure it out.
219984
It swings back shut automatically. Depending on how level mine is (my teenagers always knock it just enough to make it unlevel - we only use it for our dogs) it doesn't always latch automatically the way it should when it's level. But it is very easy to open and latch shut. Easy to do one handed. If it's not latched shut, my dog can open it and get through. LOL. But I love the gate!! It works great and we are very rough on it.
100272
hi, the gate is awesome, but it is a little tough to open. but we like that. yes it can be opened with one hand after you understand how it works.hope this helps
100271
hi, the gate is awesome, but it is a little tough to open. but we like that. yes it can be opened with one hand after you understand how it works. hope this helps
1413923
We didn't have any problems with putting it up or down it was quite easy. I thought the gate was quite durable and it looked great. We used it for two large openings. We used for 2.5 years without any problems. Please note we did use longer wood screws than what was provided with the gate. The screws provided with the gate were too short to make the gate secure.
764545
If you hit the top of the safe while turning the handle at the right moment, it opens pretty easily. This safe is more of a toy... Here is a youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcYB9ceiAiY
1565005
I find it very easy to open, right from the get go. You can even do it one handed. Slide the latch with your thumb and pull up on the gate. Then swing it open in either direction. It closes just as easily. Just put it back in place and let go.
1910967
I don't think a 4 year old could open it. You have to pull the latch up while simultaneously lifting the gate door off a piece at the bottom. It is easy to operate once you get the hang of it but does require some strength. I do highly recommend this gate -- high quality, works well, looks nice, and the stay open feature is great.
905674
It's actually very secure I think. Some of the adults that have visited us cannot even figure out how to open it. Once my son did get it open by persistently jiggling the gate until it gave way but he has since lost interest in doing that.
1422252
It would take a bit of coordination to hold the release button and lift at the same time for a 4 year old, but I guess it is possible. My 2 year old granddaughter cannot open the gate. I have been quite pleased with the gate overall.
1288242
This gate (and I suspect all baby gates that swing out) is really easy to "lock" open with a small bungee cord. Put one end at one of the bars that doesnt move (on the hinge side of the gate door) and place the other end on a bar on the gate at the cords max extension without creating tension. I use a bright red cord, which against the white makes it more noticeable so that I dont forget it is open, as others have said could become a problem.
2067368
It can be frustrating, as sliding it sideways to open tends to hang up regularly.Some spray lubricant helps somewhat. We have no small children, but have 2small dogs that we keep in the kitchen as needed. The gates are acceptableas long as you realize their downside. Ray K.
792985
you have to push it closed...it moves easily tho and is easy to latch w one hand...looks great. great gate. higher than most too for when they start climbing.
1145703
Yes you can. It works very easily. It is a very light metal-type gate. I carry my 6 yr old granddaughter through it all the time. You just pull up on the lever and turn it in the direction that you want the gate to open.
1546008
It wouldn't be easy for a 5 year old to open it up, however I wouldn't recommend this gate for a kid that age, the gate isn't that strong, if he tries to climb it it may colapse. I honestly wouldn't trust this for my kid. I bought it for my chihuahua and it works great for her, however, it is too weak for a child.
1843027
It does swing open. It attaches to the wall on both sides and there is metal hardware on the sides that latches to the wall hardware. But it isn't particularly sturdy or easy (for an adult) to latch and unlatch. Overall, it's an okay swing gate for a low traffic area but maybe not for an area where it would need to open and close frequently or where it may be left open.